Tooth extraction treatment is considered a last resort, typically when the tooth is severely decayed beyond repair, or a molar is “impacted”, meaning that it partially erupted from underneath the gum, causing your teeth to become overcrowded.
If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction and you’re wondering what the do’s and don’t’s are, then you’ve come to the right place. Aftercare is an essential part of tooth extraction recovery dictates how successful extraction treatment was.
So, what are the dos and don’ts for tooth extraction recovery?
The Do’s
Follow these steps to ensure a swift and painless recovery:
Rest As Much As Possible
After extraction treatment, you don’t need to be in a single position over several days. It is recommended that you avoid doing anything strenuous such as chores or undertaking any form of physical activity. Ensure that your head is always kept in an elevated position as well. Rest is essential for the first 24 hours.
Build The Blood Clot
The dentist will give you a gauze pad to bite down on to stem any bleeding at the extracted site. The reason for this is so that the extraction site can form a blood clot. The clot acts as a protective barrier so that bacteria and infection do not seep through to the underlying nerves and bone. The blood clot usually takes around seven days to fully form. The bone and nerves underneath will be exposed if the blood clot fails to form.
Drink Water Regularly
Staying hydrated is important for a swift recovery. Although, when drinking water, you should avoid swishing the water around your mouth; otherwise, the blood clot will dislodge itself. Avoid using a straw because the mouth action means the blood clot could become in contact. Drink water slowly and carefully.
Cold Compresses
If you expect to swell, then apply a cold compress against the affected area to keep swelling levels down. Although, it is not anticipated that swelling will form. If there is swelling, note that it is a natural part of the process.
The Don’ts
Here are the don’t’s that you shouldn’t perform as it will likely impact the speed of your recovery:
Smoking
The chemicals found in a cigarette can impact the blood clot and cause a dry socket, and for the first 48 hours, it is recommended that you don’t smoke.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy drinks contain sugars that are bad for your teeth. What they’re also bad for is the blood clot. It is recommended that you avoid drinking them for the first few days after treatment.
Change Your Diet
Eating chewy and crunchy solids will more than likely dislodge the blood clot and irritate the extraction site. Instead, there are many more than tasty softer foods that will not only be enjoyable but will also maintain a swift recovery. Foods such as eggs, boiled potatoes and seeds are great examples of food selection.
Avoid Poking The Site
Your mouth will adjust to having a gap in your teeth. However, it is equally important that you avoid poking the extracted site with your tongue. It will likely dislodge the blood clot and create further bleeding.
Following these do’s and don’ts after tooth extraction will ensure a fast recovery within a matter of days. Be ultra-careful that you don’t dislodge the blood clot; otherwise, the stitches will need to be rewound at the dentist.
Are you in line for tooth extraction treatment? Get in touch with our experienced Wollongong dentists and Fairy Meadow Dentists today!
